Who To Call First After a Death

Who Do You Call First After a Death? (Home, Hospital, Hospice, Nursing Facility)

February 24, 2026

In the first few hours after a death, families often worry: “Who do we call first?” That uncertainty can add stress to an already hard moment. The right first call depends on where the death occurs and whether hospice is involved—and once you know the path, everything feels more manageable.

In Tennessee, hospice deaths at home follow a different process than unexpected deaths. Hospitals and nursing facilities also have their own procedures, and staff will guide you.

This page is meant to reduce fear and give you clarity.

If the death happens at home

If hospice is involved:

Call hospice first
A hospice nurse will guide you, confirm the death, and explain the next step
Then call the funeral home when you’re ready

If hospice is NOT involved:

Call 911 (or follow local instructions)
Authorities may need to respond before transfer can occur
After guidance is given, you may call the funeral home

If the death happens in a hospital

Hospital staff will guide you
You can tell them which funeral home you want contacted
If you don’t know yet, it’s okay to take a moment to decide

If the death happens in a nursing home or assisted living

Facility staff will follow their protocol
You can provide the funeral home name and phone number
If you haven’t chosen yet, ask for a moment—this is normal

Things to note

You are not “bothering” anyone by calling hospice/hospital staff—they expect these calls.
You do not have to have every decision made before the funeral home is contacted.
A helpful funeral home will answer questions before you commit to services.

Quick checklist

✅ Identify location (home/hospital/facility)
✅ Identify hospice involvement (yes/no)
✅ Make the correct first call
✅ Choose a funeral home when you’re ready
✅ Write down names and instructions you’re given

If you’re unsure which situation applies, call [Spann Funeral Home]. We’ll help you determine the correct next step calmly—no pressure.

We assist families throughout Dickson, Hickman, and Williamson County including Dickson, Charlotte, Burns, Cumberland Furnace, White Bluff, Fairview, Bon Aqua, Lyles, Kingston Springs and surrounding Middle Tennessee communities.

FAQ

What if I’m not sure hospice is active?
Call the hospice number; they can confirm and guide you.
Do I have to decide on a funeral home immediately?
Often, no—you can take a short moment to choose.
Can the hospital choose a funeral home for us?
They may provide a list, but the decision is yours.

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Families often ask this in a whisper: “Do we need to call right now?” It’s a completely normal question. In many situations—especially when hospice is involved—you have more time than you think. You are allowed to breathe, gather close family, and take a short moment to process what has happened. That said, timing can depend on the circumstances. Unexpected deaths may involve authorities, and hospital or facility policies may affect when transfer occurs. The safest approach is simply to ask: hospice or staff will tell you what’s appropriate for your situation.